League of Women Voters to show “Equal Means Equal” documentary in Lafayette, Feb. 17

Did you know that women don’t have equal rights under federal law? That’s the subject of the documentary “Equal Means Equal” which will be shown on February 17 at 3 p.m. by the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley. Phyllis Gordon, member of the Contra Costa Commission for Women, will moderate the meeting, which will take place in the Cedar Room of the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Marys Road.

Filmmaker Kamala Lopez explores the impact of inequality on women by interviewing the famous, such as Gloria Steinem and Patricia Arquette, and as well as ordinary women, such as hotel workers, pregnant employees, and gang members. She hopes to revive interest in the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution, which although approved in 1972 by the US House and Senate, fell short of ratification by three states. Without equal rights, the film shows how the current situation of half-measures and loopholes has negatively affected the lives many women.

Moderator Phyllis Gordon will show the 93-minute film, followed by discussion. Besides serving as a current member and past Chair of the Contra Costa Commission for Women, Gordon is the northern California representative on the California Commissions for Women and on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Commissions for Women. She also is a founding member of the Contra Costa Women’s Hall of Fame.

There is no charge for the showing of “Equal Means Equal.” Parking is available on site and light refreshments will be served.